Immune System Support - Haelan LifeStream Center

This Journal considers what you can do to assist your immune system health. This posting comes after over a year of governmental and medical bureaucracies’ attempts to manage the SARS-CoV-2 issue with social distancing, lockdowns, facial coverings, and gene treatment injections which are being promoted as vaccines.

One might think that this pandemic represents an optimal time and opportunity for our medical and governmental agencies to recommend meaningful recommendations to assist all people in developing better health choices and lifestyles. But such suggestions have not been forthcoming from anyone other than some independent health practitioners who understand the importance of foundational health. Unfortunately, a number of such health advocates are being censored, de-platformed, and persecuted for trying to assist their patients in such a manner.

In light of the shortcoming of the government and medical agencies not talking about the immune system and what you might do to promote its healthy and robust function, I am posting this writing which has some information and recommendations for immune system health. In general, whatever you do to assist immune system health will also assist general overall health.

First, I want to recommend that you watch this 20 minute video of Dr. Zach Bush, M.D., speaking about the innate immune system. This brief overview will help orient you to important considertions of humanity’s overall evolutionary relationship with viruses. Dr. Bush is triple Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Hospice Care. He also has a Masters of Science degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. I have followed his work and excellent offerings for several years.

Here is a link to his presentation Innate Immune System which is currently still being shown on YouTube. Hopefully, this will not be censored and taken down.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Here is my listing of recommendations for immune system health. Any lifestyle activity which promotes immune system health will also engender overall health:

Avoid sugar and sugar containing foods. Sugar is a very potent suppressant of the immune system.
Avoid processed foods which contain sugar, industrialized fats, and chemical additives. Eat only whole foods.
Move your body. Exercise is a potent booster of immune system function.
Improve your sleep routine. During sleep our body regenerates at all levels.
Adopt a positive attitude of optimism. Stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are documented assassins of immune system health.
Expose yourself to nature as much as possible on a daily basis. Nature is one of the best healers and teachers.

Nutritional Supplementation

Nutritional supplements are a proven and reliable way to strengthen the immune system. There are thousands of published articles, based on research, which validate the importance of natural chemistry for all aspects of our health.

A basic core nutritional immune support regimen that I am using and recommending includes vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, melatonin, zinc, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), omega fatty acids, and probiotics. Other important nutrients to assist the immune system are selenium and quercetin.

These natural elements are well researched and documented for their role in supporting immune function and controlling inflammatory cytokines which cause excessive immune system reactions. I have posted many articles in the Associated Readings list below which you can reference.

While melatonin is usually used for sleep support, it is also an immune system modulator which downregulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key compound implicated in starting the “cytokine storm” seen in many of the serious cases of COVID-19.

Below is a listing of the Designs for Health supplements which will strengthen and boost immune system function. Designs for Health has the best array of nutritional supplements for immune system health and support that I know of. These links are to my website store where you can purchase these supplements.

In addition, you can also refer to this page…Immune Health…for another way to view and purchase some of the products listed below.

If the links below do not work, please refer to the DFH website and enter the supplement name in the SEARCH space seen in the upper right of the page.

Vitamin D…this page shows the vitamin D supplements which are available in different strengths. All of the DFH vitamin D compounds are formulated with added vitamin K2, an important consideration. Vitamin D is critical for immune system health, and overall health. I wrote about Vitamin D and Vitamin K2 in past Journals on this website. Vitamin K2 is important because it promotes bone and blood vessel health. I hope you will read the Vitamin K2 writing. Those with Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) mutations (50% of people), as determined by genetic studies, require higher vitamin D blood levels. Because our environment has become so toxic, and as a general recommendation, try to keep your vitamin D blood levels above 60 ng/ml. The most desirable blood level for vitamin D is 60 to 80 ng/ml. Levels below 40 ng/ml are not adequate to acheive all of vitamin D’s effects, especially if one has VDR mutations. The vitamin D formulations from DFH are: 1) Vitamin D Synergy…2000 I.U., with 200 micrograms of Vitamin K1 and K2, 2) Vitamin D Supreme…5000 I.U., with 550 micrograms of Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2, 3) ADK Evail…2000 I.U., with 5000 I.U. Vitamin A, 50 milligrams Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), and 1050 mcg. Vitamins K1 and K2, 4) Vitamin D Ultra 10K…10,000 I.U., with 220 mcg. Vitamin K1 and K2, 5) Emulsi-D3… a 20 oz. bottle, 1 ml. (via dropper) contains 2000 IU Vitamin D, 250 mcg. Vitamin K1 and 25 mcg. of Vitamin K2, 6) Liposomal D Supreme…a liposomal delivery system. Each 0.5 mL serving (1 pump) of this citrus flavored formula provides 2500 IU of vitamin D3 and 325 mcg of vitamin K1 and K2.
Melatonin SRT…melatonin is a master hormone which is primarily made in the brain’s pineal gland. It maintains the health of the thymus gland and the attendant thymic hormones which entrain lymphocytes for cell mediated immunity against viruses, bacteria, and cancer. The SRT designation refers to “sustained release tablet.” Melatonin’s levels naturally start rising in the body at about 9:00 PM and wane at 3:00 AM. Ordinary melatonin compounds which do not release in the body over time, have a rapid peak and dissolution. Blood levels are transient. Melatonin is also known to be an important chemical for mitochondrial health. Melatonin levels in our body begin to decline steadily after age 20. The Melatonin SRT compound is a scored 6 milligram tablet. It can be cut down into lesser dosing for those who may be sensitive to its effects. Because melatonin levels decline steadily after the teen years, by age 50 there is only about 10% of the levels found in teens. By ages 60 and 70 there is even less circultaing melatonin. This is one reason that COVID-19 has higher mortality rates in older people. Melatonin has a mitigating effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome which is involved in the cytokine storm of advanced infections of this virus.
Melatonin capsules…this is a powdered capsule form of 3 mg. melatonin capsules which will achieve a rapid blood level.
FX Dream 15 Count Chocolates…this delicious high cacoa chocolate wafer delivers a 3 mg. therapeutic dosing of melatonin, plus 100 mg. of 5 HTP to assiste serotonin production and sleep.
Zinc Supreme…zinc is the mineral which drives the immune system, catalyzing its biochemical maintenance and function. Because zinc is not well represented in foods, most people are zinc deficient. A healthy zinc level is important for the function of the immune system, brain, bones, cardiovascular system, male hormone system, prostate gland, and connective tissue formation. Zinc catalyzes the enzymes which allow for taste and smell. Loss of smell has become a major marker for COVID-19, and loss of taste is also reported, which is very suggestive of zinc deficiency. At least half the population is zinc deficient. This deficiency can worsen quickly and severely in a major infection. Everyone hospitalized with COVID-19 should have a zinc level tested. We know with flu that zinc reduces risk of pneumonia 50%.
Immuno-Zn Lozenge…a delicious lozenge containing 25 mg. of zinc and 100 mg. of elderberry. This lozenge has zero grams of sugar. Maximum dosing would be 1 lozenge twice daily, which delivers 50 mg. of zinc.
Liposomal Vitamin C…the most potent way to take vitamin C via the oral route is with a liposomal delivery system. Except for those with G6PD deficiency, vitamin C can be used in high amounts with no ill effects. There are thousands of articles about the importance and efficacy of vitamin C in alleviating infectious diseases, and other diseases.
Stellar C…a capsule version of vitamin C combined with synergistic bioflavonoids. This is a very good vitamin C formula for daily maintenance.
Vitamin C Buffered Powder…this powder is buffered with calcium, magnesium, and potassium to reduce the acidity of ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C. One teaspoon of the powder contains 2000 mg. of vitamin C.
C + BioFizz…this orange flavored vitamin C based powder contains 2567 mg. of vitamin C per teaspoon. Also included are quercetin, hesperidin and rutin, which are all natural bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits.
BioFizz Immune…this is a new product as of early August, 2020, and is important to add in here. It was formulated in response to what we know works against this virus, and other viruses as well. This is an antioxidant and bioflavinoid powder containing an extraordinary blend of immune supporting nutrients. Each 4 gram serving contains 1000 mg. of vitamin C, 2000IU of vitamin D, 20 mg. of zinc, 500 mg. of quercetin, 50 mg. of resveratrol, vitamin E isomers, and 50 mg. of geranylgeraniol. This is the best all-in-one immune support supplement I have encountered.
Hi-Po Emulsi-A…containing 1500 mcg. (5000 IU) of vitamin A per drop, this potent and highly absorbable form of vitamin A delivers an important fat soluble vitamin which is essential for healthy immune system function.
B Supreme…B vitamins assist in multiple mechanisms of action against viral activity and are essential for a healthy balanced immune system response. This particular B vitamin complex comes in a 60, 90, or 120 count bottle.
Liposomal B Supreme…a liposomal delivery system of the B vitamin family which insures high absorption.
Quercetin-Ascorbate…this powder contains quercetin and ascorbate (vitamin C), which have postive effects on the immune system and inflammatory responses via actions on tissue mast cells and basophils, and the regulation of histamine. Quercetin is a powerful immune booster and broad-spectrum antiviral. It also inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may be beneficial since serious COVID-19 infection and subsequent death appears to be due to cytokine storm activity. Quercetin acts to assist the passsage of zinc into the cells. Zinc interferes directly with the Coronavirus replicase enzyme. This enzyme allows the virus to reproduce itself.
Quercetin + Nettles…a capsule containing quercetin and nettles. Research suggests that nettle’s anti-inflammatory actions are attributed to its ability to interrupt the production and actions of inflammation-producing cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotreines. This will help to modulate and control cytokine storm responses.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)…this is an amino acid complex that is the precursor to glutathione production, the body’s most important antioxidant, and also promotes optimal liver detoxification and immune system health. NAC is well researched for its role in optimizing lung health.
Probiotics and gastrointestinal health…the health of gut chemistry and gut lining is paramount for a variety of reasons. DFH has very good probiotic formulations which can be seen at the bottom of this page.
Essential fatty acids…DFH has the most extensive offering of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that I know of. These 2 fatty acids are essential in cell membrane anatomy and function, and in regulating a myriad of our biochemical functions via their role in the production of micro hormone intracellular signaling system of prostaglandins E1 and E3.
XanthOmega Krill Oil…a special member of the omega fats family. A full account of astaxanthin’s role in treating Coronavirus can be read here.
Silvercillin Liquid… this liquid is an effective anti-microbial when used orally, and also via a nebulizer. Owning a nebulizer is a good idea, in general. An aerosolized mist of Silvercillin can be effectively administered into the upper and lower airway system via a simple nebulizer. The liquid can also be administered via neti pot to check nasal colonization, and it can be added to home humidifiers. It can be sprayed on any surface to neutralize pathogens. The FDA has approved nano-particle silver solutions for use in hospitals and clinics.
Liposomal Cat’s Claw…this is a liposomal delivery of the Una de Gato herb. Uncaria tomentosa (botanical name) is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America and has been well researched and documented for its effectiveness in immune system enhancement.
Immunitone Plus…contains herbs that support normal natural killer (NK) cell activity and the balance of cytokines, which are the regulatory proteins released by immune cells as part of a normal immune system response.
Immune Support Packets…this product is a box of 30 daily packets, each one containing 3 capsules of Immunitone Plus, 1 capsule of Vitamin D Complex, 1 capsule of Stellar C, 1 capsule of Zinc Supreme, 1 capsule of Tegricel Colostrum, and 1 capsule of N-Acetyl Cysteine.
SPM Supreme…this gelcap contains a combination of three highly potent “specialized pro-resolving mediators” designed to help support the body’s natural ability to respond to physical challenges and resolve the initial steps in the natural inflammatory process. The resolution of a healthy inflammatory response is an active process controlled by these unique metabolites.
Annatto-E 150…an advanced form of vitamin E tocotrienols which has well researched for its positive effects on the immune system. This product also comes in a 300 mg. capsule.
Liposomal Glutathione…glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants naturally produced in the body, and it protects virtually every tissue.
S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy…this product contains acetylated glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and vitamin B6. NAC and B6 are important for the production of glutathione. This acetylated form of glutathione allows the glutathione to survive transit in the GI tract. After absorption and passage to cellular sites, the acetyl group is cleaved off, leaving the glutathione molecule intact for its antioxidant purposes.
Immunoberry Liquid…provides immune support in a pleasant tasting liquid, with the key ingredients elderberry, shiitake, and wild cherry bark – all known for their beneficial effects in supporting a healthy immune system.
ImmunoMod-A…this product contains an extract of the herb Andrographis paniculata, which has been shown to modulate immune, inflammatory and oxidative pathways. This product also contains the monosaccharide n-acetyl glucosamine along with curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extract from the spice turmeric. Both of these compounds help to support a healthy inflammatory response.
Monolaurin Avail…this product is designed to offer potent support for immune health without adverse effects on beneficial intestinal flora. It contains vitamin C for added immune benefit, and sunflower lecithin to enhance absorption of the monolaurin.
Allicillin…contains Garlicillin, a blend of garlic oil and parsley oil with specified levels of garlic sulfides and ajoene, the most bioactive compound formed from garlic. These softgels are enteric coated to reduce the strong garlic odor and repeating that may occur from supplementing with garlic.
Olive Leaf Extract…a time honored antimicrobial/antiviral herbal formula.
MycoSupreme…a full-spectrum blend of eight mushroom extracts, including reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, agaricus, and turkey tail. One serving contains 1800mg with a clinically relevant amount of 225 mg of each mushroom, utilizing the whole mushroom parts: fruiting bodies, mycelium, primordia, and the extracellular compounds they naturally produce (enzymes, acids, and anti-microbials). The mushrooms in MycoSupreme have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties and a wide range of beneficial activities, including support for the immune system, cardiovascular health, detoxification, liver health, and normal blood glucose metabolism.
MycoPure Chocolate and MycoPure Golden Milk protein powders…both flavors are made with plant based protein fermented from shiitake mushrooms. What makes these powders good for the immune system is the addition of 5 major mushroom extracts which are known for their positive effects on the immune system: reishi, turkey tail, maitake, shiitake, and cordyceps. These protein powders contain all 9 essential amino acids and have a high content of branched chain amino acids (BCAA). A one scoop serving delivers 20 grams of protein. These are excellent protein powders, with positive immune system effects.
PaleoFiber RS…this powder contains two forms of resistant starch (RS) type II: organic green banana flour and organic potato starch powder. RS is a type of starch that is resistant to digestion, as enzymes in the GI tract are inactive against it. Once RS reaches the large intestine, it is fermented into short chain fatty acids, which are used as fuel for both beneficial microbes and enterocytes of the GI tract. This is one of the post-biotic chemicals which was covered in the video presentation above. PaleoFiber RS benefits GI health through its ability to support microbial balance and proper intestinal permeability and integrity. Additionally, this formula may help support optimal blood sugar and insulin levels, appetite control, and cardiovascular health.
Tegricel Colostrum…a pure, potent colostrum that supports optimum immune function and intestinal health. It provides a combination of immune and growth factors including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), amino acids, and other important nutrients. This product comes from healthy cattle which are fed a special nutritionally dense diet.
Curcum-Evail…this is a stabilized and highly absorbable curcumin product contains the 3 most important curcuminoids. The product comes in 30, 60, and 120 count bottles. Curcumin compounds are very potent anti-inflammatories and may have direct inhibitory effects against Coronavirus. See Curcumin Inhibits Virus-Induced Cytokine Storm.
C-3 Curcumin Complex…a capsule powdered form of the 3 curcuminoids.
EGCg…EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) is a key active component of green tea. It is a potent antioxidant. It may have inhibitory effects against this Coronavirus.
Resveratrol Supreme…in addition to activating the sirtuin pathways, which have a strong antiaging effect, the polyphenol resveratrol was shown to inhibit the former MERS-CoV infection.

The long list of Associated Readings which follow will help deepen your understanding and perspectives on how you can assist your immune system health in these times, and beyond.

Thank you for reading.

Signing off from Crestone and Beyond

Associated Readings about COVID-19 Treatment and Immune System Health

Modern Medicine Laid Bare…the failure of the contemporary medical industry to recommend nutritional supplements is explored in this incisive writing.
Chronic conditions put nearly half of US adults at risk for severe COVID-19…chronic disease accounts for seven of 10 deaths in the United States, decreases our quality of life, and is one of the major problems which is threatening to bankrupt our country. But it also puts almost 50 percent of Americans at significantly higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Has it ever been more clear that we desperately need a new approach to preventing and reversing chronic disease?
Biggest Fast Food Chains in the World 1971-2019 (Stores)…a disturbing graphic which covers the rise of the various fast food chains. This phenomenon is directly linked to the obesity epidemic. In the midst of the Coronavirus problem, people need to learn how to take care of themselves. These fast food stores do not offer any answers our to health and wellness, whatsoever.
The Sickness in Our Food Supply…esteemed environmentalist and author of many writings about the planet’s food problems, Michael Pollan, poses the right kind of considerations and editorial in this excellent piece of writing. You can scroll this article and stop on any paragraph and you would understand aspects of the planet’s food crisis. Here is an example of one such paragraph as it relates to COVID-19…”Unfortunately, a diet dominated by such foods (as well as lots of meat and little in the way of vegetables or fruit—the so-called Western diet) predisposes us to obesity and chronic diseases such as hypertension and type-2 diabetes. These ‘underlying conditions’ happen to be among the strongest predictors that an individual infected with Covid-19 will end up in the hospital with a severe case of the disease; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that 49 percent of the people hospitalized for Covid-19 had preexisting hypertension, 48 percent were obese, and 28 percent had diabetes.”
Food Fix…a 40 minute interview with Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D., and Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D., where Dr. Hyman explains a number of facts about how our deranged food policies and food practices are harming the planet. Our deranged food industry, and the myriad health problems it is fostering, is a worse pandemic than Coronavirus, and it is also an important dynamic of the virus pandemic. Many systemic inadequacies are being exposed at this time. Our food industry is showing major cracks.
Covid-19 and Disparities in Nutrition and Obesity…from the New England Journal of Medicine, 7-15-20. Poor metabolic health is linked to underlying conditions— including diabetes and cardiovascular disease — that create major complications for people with coronavirus, confirming the critical link between COVID-19 and nutrition. Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease disproportionately affect the Black, Latino and Native American populations and, in addition, these minority groups face hurdles in accessing health, education and social services as well as affordable, healthy food, putting them at severe risk of Covid-19. I submit that low vitamin D levels in these populations with higher skin pigmentation is also a major contributing factor for the higher risk of COVID-19 in these population groups.
Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates…a 5-7-20 paper from Science Daily details the fact that patients with severe vitamin D deficiency are twice as likely to experience major complications from COVID-19. This is one of a number of papers about studies which prove the efficacy of using vitamin D in the treatment of COVID-19. The medical and government establishments are not endorsing this important natural form of prevention and treatment.
Vitamin D determines severity in COVID-19 so government advice needs to change…this report is from Trinity College Dublin.
Coronavirus Pandemic Update 59: Dr. Seheult’s Daily Regimen (Vitamin D, C, Zinc, Quercetin, and NAC)…Dr. Roger Seheult carries on with his valuable and very well-done video and lecture dissertations. He tells us what he is using daily to strengthen his immune system. This is a good endorsement from a medical expert. In this video he also explains how he uses protective gear in his work as an Emergency Medicine physician.
Coronavirus Pandemic Update 74: Vitamin D and COVID-19; Academic Censorship…Dr. Seheult presents an article from Lancet and expands on the importance of using vitamin D. Contrast this with the fanatical Bill Gates who is saying the entire global population should be vaccinated. Instead of mass vaccination, perhaps everyone should get their vitamin D level checked and then start on an appropriate dose of vitamin D, as well as a safe and effective program of common vitamin and plant chemical supplements.
Vitamin D…a 2016 writing on this website about the benefits and biochemical considerations of vitamin D.
New study investigates exercise, diet, and supplementation on the immune system and aging…a review of a recent article published in the journal Nutrients….”These results suggest that nutritional supplements including both omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can significantly reduce established biomarkers of systemic inflammation in middle-age and older adults. Other nutrients to consider for aging, inflammation and the immune system include tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol, resveratrol, quercetin, and specialized pro-resolving mediators.”
New Review Investigates the Role of Diet, Lifestyle, and Nutritional Status in Severe Infections…a nice review of another meaningful publication in Nutrients.
Plant Medicinal Compounds to Inhibit COVID-19…this study suggests that curcumin, quercetin, EGCG (green tea extract), and other nutritional compounds may inhibit COVID-19 by interfering with proteases involved with viral replication. More research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Zinc ionophore activity of quercetin and epigallocatechin-gallate…quercetin and EGCg are natural substances which act like hydroxychloroquine to get zinc into cells.
Modern Medicine Knew Of Zinc Cure for Coronavirus Infections A Decade Ago But Failed To Put Into Practice…a sound writing on the importance of zinc for the prevention of infectious diseases, and a scathing commentary on mainstream medical industry bias against the use of natural agents which our biochemistry was born to utilize. Zinc is also critical for the health of brain, cardiovascular system, bones, testosterone production, prostate gland, and a host of enzyme functions in the body which it helps catalyze.
Study demonstrates antiviral activity of quercetin by inhibiting viral entry…a study published in the journal Viruses in 2015…”The life cycle of the influenza virus consists of viral attachment, entry, replication, and release. This study demonstrated that quercetin can inhibit the entry of an influenza virus in the early stage of infection, measuring the inhibition in a cell infection model.” Based on this study and the information in the reference immediately above, it appears that quercetin is a good antiviral agent due to at least 2 mechanisms.
Optimizing Oxidation in the Care of Chronically Ill Patients…a 1 hour presentation about the science and many studies covering the value of high dose melatonin. This is a very informative and compelling presentation, based on the studies cited. Melatonin is an important antioxidant in mitochondrial health.
New Review Investigates Melatonin as a Potential Immunity Enhancement Adjuvant…the far reaching biochemical actions of melatonin are covered here.
New Research on the Relationship Between Zinc and Melatonin…posted here on 12-27-20. The roles of zinc and melatonin in the neuroendocrine system is explained here. “Melatonin may increase zinc absorption because zinc is needed to synthesize melatonin and its precursor serotonin. As such, zinc deficiency correlates to decreased melatonin levels, and supplementing with zinc increased melatonin production. Therefore, melatonin supplementation may increase zinc levels and zinc supplementation may increase melatonin levels.”
SARSCoV2 coronavirus antivirals…a research based data listing built by Peter D’Adamo, N.D., which shows the mechanistic activity of many agents against Coronavirus. His references are also shown here.
Natural Treatments for Pandemic Now…an article from the Alliance for Natural Health which goes into the use of intravenous vitamin C (IVC), which our government wants to control. “The FDA may have also engineered a shortage of IVC. The agency recently approved IVC as a drug, meaning only one manufacturer can legally make it.”
Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock…Dr. Paul Marik’s HAT protocol, in technical detail…Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine. Dr. Marik is quadruple board certified with advanced credentials and accomplishments. Read through this protocol to understand some of the details. Dr. Marik’s retrospective before-after clinical study showed that giving patients IV vitamin C with hydrocortisone and vitamin B1 for two days reduced mortality from 40% to 8.5%. Of the 50 patients treated, only four died, and all of them died from their underlying disease, not sepsis. The precise protocol used was 200 mg of thiamine every 12 hours, 1,500 mg of ascorbic acid every six hours, and 50 mg of hydrocortisone every six hours. Importantly, the treatment has no side effects and is inexpensive, readily available and simple to administer.
An interview with Dr. Paul Marik, M.D….the integrative protocol of Dr. Marik is presented here along with a nice interview by Integrative Practitioner. Posted here on 7-24-20.
COVID-19 Critical Care…this is an article about the MATH protocol developed and used successfully by 5 critical care physicians. This is a variation of Dr. Marik’s HAT protocol. Here are the highlights of this article: “Despite the fact that many critical care specialists are using treatment protocols that differ from standard of care, information about natural therapeutics in particular are still being suppressed by the media and is not received by critical care physicians. Five critical care physicians have formed the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group (FLCCC). The group has developed a highly effective treatment protocol known as MATH+. Of the more than 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with the MATH+ protocol as of mid-April, only two died. Both were in their 80s and had advanced chronic medical conditions. The protocols call for the use of intravenous methylprednisolone, vitamin C and subcutaneous heparin within six hours of admission into the hospital, along with high-flow nasal oxygen. Optional additions include thiamine, zinc and vitamin D. COVID-19 kills by triggering hyperinflammation, hypercoagulation and hypoxia. The MATH+ protocol addresses these three core pathological processes.” The MATH protocol calls for the use of the following agents, to be started within 6 hours of admission: 1) intravenous Methylprednisolone, 2) high-dose intravenous Ascorbic acid, 3) optional treatments are Thiamine, zinc and vitamin D, and 4) full dose low molecular weight Heparin. The dosing of each is covered in the article. This is very similar to Dr. Paul Marik’s HAT protocol referenced above in #29.
Forest Bathing and Can It Boost Immunity…in this #56 MedCram presentation, Dr. Roger Seheult takes us through an interesting collaborative study conducted by Japanese and American researchers on the effects of forest bathing on our immune system. Data revealed the same effects are not experienced by being outdoors in an urban environment.
Dietary supplements an important weapon for fighting off COVID-19…Dr. Adrian Gombart, a biochmemical researcher at Oregon State University speaks up about the importance of vitamin D, C, zinc, and DHA omega 3 fatty acid for immune system health…”Around the world, acute respiratory tract infections kill more than 2.5 million people every year,” said Gombart, professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the OSU College of Science and a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute. “Meanwhile, there’s a wealth of data that shows the role that good nutrition plays in supporting the immune system. As a society we need to be doing a better job of getting that message across along with the other important, more common messages…Specific vitamins, minerals and fatty acids have key jobs to play in helping your immune system, he says. In particular vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, docosahexaenoic acid, also known as DHA, are critical for immune function.”
Evidence Supporting a Phased Immuno-physiological Approach to COVID-19 From Prevention Through Recovery…this is a long article about how to treat this disease with natural substances. Recommendations are based on the phases of the disease, since optimal interventions for one phase may not be appropriate for a different phase. The four phases addressed are: Prevention, Infection, Inflammation and Recovery. A summary can be found in a table on page 21. Underlying this phased approach is recognition of emerging evidence for two different components of pathophysiology, early infection and late stage severe complications. These two aspects of the disease suggest two different patterns of clinical emphasis that seem on the surface to be not entirely concordant.
Hypovitaminosis–Are High Sugar Diets to Blame?…a review of a Swedish based article published in Nutrition & Metabolism in March, 2020,which brings more attention to the problem with high sugar intake. Our govenrment is not putting forth any recommendations about healthy nutritional practices during this pandemic.
UK ministers order urgent vitamin D coronavirus review…a 6-17-20 report from The Guardian. Across the UK, as many as 750 frontline NHS staff have received free immune support packs including Liposomal Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc from a voluntary initiative, and there has been some frustration that a more holistic approach to the pandemic has not been implemented. “Singapore General Hospital reportedly routinely gives coronavirus patients aged over 50 a mix of vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin B12…countries which have recently had summers have generally been less affected by the pandemic.”
The COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index (CCVI)…this interactive map and informative webpage shows which communities are most vulnerable to COVID-19, as of this posting on 6-27-20. Explore the interactive map to see the data at a county level. Click on the vulnerability category in the legend to see all counties that fall under that bracket. Mouse over to see the county level data. Other good charts are presented here.
3 Ways to Care for Your Brain in a Pandemic…neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter offers some brain health advice for us in these times.
Most People With Coronavirus Won’t Spead It. Why Do a Few Infect Many?…a 6-30-20 article from the NYT about superspreaders. Research is showing that most people infected with COVID-19 aren’t actually spreading the virus. Only 10% of infected people are causing 80% of new infections. How do a few become what’s known as “superspreaders?” And, how do you know who they are, where they are and how the actual superspreading takes place? These questions are the current focus of research about how superspreading occurs.
COVID-19: Diet and supplements may be ‘the need of the hour,’ say researchers…altering the microbiome through diet, probiotics and prebiotics might be an effective supplementary method for tackling COVID-19, according to this research review from India, and reported in NutraIngredients.com on May 28, 2020.
The Great COVID-19 Deception and What You Need to Know to Survive…an article about the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, budesonide, and ivermectin. How much effort has Big Pharma put into subverting these treatment regimens? In addition to denouncing their effectiveness, constant MSM hit pieces, the censoring of medical doctor’s articles and videos from the internet, there has also been a number of “studies” done that were sabotaged from the onset.
The people with hidden immunity against Covid-19…this article, from 7-19-20, covers the mystery of the role of the immune system’s T cells in protecting against COVID-19…”Several studies have shown that people infected with Covid-19 tend to have T cells that can target the virus, regardless of whether they have experienced symptoms. So far, so normal. But scientists have also recently discovered that some people can test negative for antibodies against Covid-19 and positive for T cells that can identify the virus. This has led to suspicions that some level of immunity against the disease might be twice as common as was previously thought.”
The HPA Axis Dysfunction Diet: How to Use Nutrition to Support a Balanced Stress Response…this nice article is posted here on 7-28-20. The author describes HPA-D and 7 dietary recommendations to help nourish the adrenal glands back to health and balance. Any kind of dietary approaches which help HPA axis health will help immune system health.
Vitamin D determines severity in COVID-19 so government advice needs to change…you can rest assured that governments know about the effectiveness of vitamin D in reducing the severity of COVID-19. Don’t expect any mandates to pop up for you to have your vitamin D levels checked or for you to start using a vitamin D supplement. This report is from Trinity College Dublin.
High-Serum Cortisol Concentrations Linked to COVID-19 Mortality…high serum cortisol suppresses the immune system.
COVID-19 and Supplements: What We Know Now…a short piece from the Cleveland Clinic from June 16, 2020, extolling the value of zinc, vitamin C, Vitamin D, and N-acetylcysteine. Quercetin should have been mentioned here, but it was not. Quercetin acts like hydroxychloroqine as a zinc ionophore. It helps get zinc into the cell, as does HCQ. Zinc disables the virus replicase enzyme, and so new virons are not produced.
Low Plasma Vitamin D Level Associated with Increased Risk of COVID-19 Infection…a report from Israel about the importance of vitamin D in the prevention of COVID-19.
Long-Haulers Are Redefining COVID-19…“Long COVID-19” is not rare. Current estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone may be affected. A disturbing number of people don’t fully recover from COVID-19, and experience debilitating symptoms like shortness of breath, post-exertion malaise (similar to ME/CFS), tremors, severe brain fog, and more.
A few links to articles about immunity, posted on 8-21-20…The evidence that immunity to COVID-19 is longstanding is growing. This seems to be true even after mild infections. There is also some evidence that people who haven’t been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 may have immunity to it from exposure to previous coronaviruses that cause the common cold. This has led some scientists to speculate that herd immunity may be closer than previously believed, but this is still controversial.
USC scientists identify the order of COVID-19’s symptoms…posted here on 8-28-20. Researchers at the University of Southern California have come up with a list of COVID-19 symptoms and the likely order in which you’ll get them. Symptoms often manifest in this order, are: fever, cough, muscle pain, nausea and/or vomiting and diarrhea. The researchers said being aware of these symptoms will help determine the proper intervention at the treatment level, as well as help distinguish them from flu. “Fever and cough are frequently associated with a variety of respiratory illnesses, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),” the study authors wrote. “But the timing and symptoms in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract set COVID-19 apart. “The upper GI tract (i.e., nausea/vomiting) seems to be affected before the lower GI tract (i.e., diarrhea) in COVID-19, which is the opposite from MERS and SARS.”
A Supercomputer Analyzed Covid-19–and an Interesting New Theory Has Emerged…posted here on 9-2-20, this one day old article covers the bradykinin theory. According to the Summit supercomputer in Oak Ridge Lab in Tennessee, this theory explains many of the diverse and bizarre symptoms seen in those with COVID-19. The second-fastest computer in the world spent a week analyzing 2.5 billion genetic combinations for COVID-19 and not only found a unique theory about how the virus impacts the body, but also suggested more than 10 potential treatments — many of which are drugs already approved by the FDA. In short, the virus enters through your nose, then travels to your intestines, kidneys and heart and finishes off its attack by inciting something called a bradykinin storm which is ultimately responsible for the virus’ deadly effect. For example, it also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, or HLA, essentially turning the fluid in your lungs into a sort-of hydrogel, which hinders breathing. Because it also acts like a natural ACE inhibitor, it produces symptoms similar to ACE inhibitor side effects, which include loss of taste and smell. Some of the treatments the supercomputer team pinpointed include drugs that reduce the bradykinin storm, such as ecallantide, danazol and stanozolol. Vitamin D also was highlighted as a possible treatment.
Effect of Calcifediol Treatment and best Available Therapy vs. best Available Therapy on Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Pilot Randomized Study…a study from Spain published on 8-29-20. Taking vitamin D virtually eliminated the risk of ICU admission—and may completely eliminate the risk of death—from COVID-19. Here is a summary: 76 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were randomized into two groups. Fifty received vitamin D supplements; 26 did not. The doses were roughly equivalent to ~30,000 IU/day for the first week, and 7,600 IU/day until discharge, ICU admission, or death. In the control group (that wasn’t taking vitamin D), 50 percent required ICU admission. In the vitamin D group, only 2 percent were admitted to the ICU. In the control group, there were two deaths. In the vitamin D group, there were no deaths.
Addressing Modifiable Risk Factors to Support Immune Health…stress, sleep, nutrition and physical activity are reviewed for their effects on immune system function.
Vitamin D Is A Powerful Bullet Against Covid-19…posted here on 9-12-20 is yet another article about the importance and efficacy of vitamin D usage during this pandemic.
Natural Products Industry Rises to Meet COVID Challenges…this article explains efforts made by the nutritional supplement industry during the pandemic. “These growth trends are not lost on the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission. Both have made it clear they will not tolerate COVID prevention or treatment claims for supplements, or for that matter, for off-label use of drugs. They’ve taken swift and widespread action to enforce this position…This puts practitioners in a challenging position: patients often turn to clinicians for intelligent, informed guidance on how to reduce COVID risk, increase immune system strength, and improve overall health. Yet federal regulators want to squelch the notion that supplements might mitigate risk. They do not want practitioners publicly promoting such ideas—at least online.”
Bradykinin Hypothesis Explains COVID-19 Complexities…posted here on 9-14-20 is an in-depth writing on the bradykinin hypothesis introduced in reference #86 above. At the end of this writing a number of references are cited regarding the benefit of vitamin D usage during this pandemic.
University of Pittsburgh scientists discover antibody that ‘Neutralizes’ virus that causes COVID-19…posted here on 9-17-20 is this promising report. An antibody component that is 10 times smaller than a full-sized one may be the answer to stopping SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its tracks, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine report. “According to the report, the drug has been ‘highly effective in preventing and treating’ the SARS-CoV-2 infections in mice and hamsters during tests. The drug also reportedly does not bind to human cells, which suggests it will not have negative side effects in people” Fox News said. Researchers added that “Antibodies of larger size have worked against other infectious diseases and have been well tolerated, giving us hope that it could be an effective treatment for patients with COVID-19 and for protection of those who have never had the infection and are not immune.” Do you think that the FDA and Big Pharma will allow this promising treatment to be developed and offered to the public?
Researchers Say THC From Cannabis May treat ARDS, According To Study On Mice…Previous research has already shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may be protective against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Now, new research shows that THC, the psychoactive form of cannabis, not only may also protect against ARDS, but even may help prevent it from being fatal. THC has potent components that fight inflammation and pain. According to Forbes, researchers are investigating whether those same components and properties can also fight the cytokine storms caused by COVID-19 — and so far, in mice, it’s worked 100%. For reference, in the same study, 100% of the mice that didn’t get THC died. “The researchers explain that ‘Collectively, this study suggests that the activation of cannabinoid receptors may serve as a therapeutic modality to treat ARDS associated with Covid-19.'”
SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates associated with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels…a 9-17-20 publication in Plos One. The people with the lowest 25D levels (<20 ng/mL) had the highest rate of infection (12.5 percent), while the people with the highest 25D levels (>55 ng/mL) had the lowest rate of infection (5.9 percent). Together with previous randomized trial results and previous observational studies on vitamin D and COVID-19, this gives us compelling evidence in support of maintaining adequate 25D levels (40 to 60 ng/mL) as one of the best defenses against COVID-19.
Protective antibodies persist for months in survivors of serious COVID-19 infections…A new study shows that survivors of serious COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that can persist for months. Researchers used blood samples taken from 343 patients up to four months after their symptoms first appeared and compared them to 1,500 individuals’ blood samples taken before the pandemic. Their findings showed that antibodies to COVID-19 remained elevated and were perceptible for four months. Another finding gave researchers clues to determining how long it’s been since an individual was first infected. “We can say now that if a patient has IgA and IgM responses, they were likely infected with the virus within the last two months,” said Dr. Richelle Charles, senior author of the study.
Georgia university says lack of vitamin C could play role in COVID-19 and long term effects…posted here on 10-14-20. Researchers at Augusta University (AU) suggest that having low levels of vitamin C not only could make people more prone to getting COVID-19, but could also be a factor in how long it takes you to feel well again if you do get it. At least 30 clinical trials are either currently studying vitamin C’s role in coronavirus infection, or are planning to study it, Savannah Now reports. Dr. Carlos M. Isales, a co-director of the Center for Healthy Aging at AU, also said that vitamin C levels may explain how elderly persons respond to the virus. “Though therapies are getting better at treating those initial infections, there might be a need to treat the chronic problems that persist afterward. COVID-19 could trigger a low level of inflammation that leads to that accelerated aging that vitamin C could play a role in addressing,” Isales said.
More than 80 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had vitamin D deficiency: study…posted here on 10-29-20. A study of 216 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Spain showed that 82% who were not already taking a vitamin D supplement were deficient in vitamin D. The deficiency was especially pronounced in men. Study authors noted that patients who had been taking supplements prior to admission “had slightly more favorable outcomes” than those who didn’t take supplements. The study also noted that there is “compelling evidence” for an association between low vitamin D levels and HIV, hepatitis C and influenza. “While the researchers reported a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, they did not find an association between vitamin D levels and the severity of the disease, such as the need for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or even death,” CTV News said.
Staying Well in the Time of COVID…posted here on 12-11-20. Here is a good message from the Riordan Clinic. Author Ron Hunninghake, M.D., espouses 7 approaches to stay healthy: connectivity, stress management, regular sleep, exercise, food choices, detoxification, and nutrient supplementation. In conclusion Dr. Hunninghake states, “The salient point of this article is that scientific supplementation, while not generally recognized by medical mainstream doctors and researchers, can nevertheless serve as a rational 7th Lifestyle Choice that complements the other six. It helps support healthy cellular immunity and reduces one’s risk of the many complex, chronic illnesses that are associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes.”
How To Lose Weight…posted here on 1-16-21. This is a very good article and is highly recommended…”Health is the best investment you can make in 2021.”
Poor gut health connected to severe COVID-19, new review shows…posted here on 1-24-21. This is a 1-12-21 publication from the American Society for Microbiology. In a new review, researchers examined emerging evidence suggesting that poor gut health adversely affects COVID-19 prognosis. While most people associate a COVID-19 illness with high fevers and respiratory problems, autopsies and other studies reveal that the infection can affect other major organs as well as the gastrointestinal tract. When the virus gets involved in the GI tract, a significant number of COVID patients experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which increases the severity of the illness. “There seems to be a clear connection between the altered gut microbiome and severe COVID-19,” said microbiologist Heenam Stanley Kim, from Korea University’s Laboratory for Human-Microbial Interactions, in Seoul. Kim started analyzing the studies after realizing that wealthy countries with a good medical infrastructure, including the United States and nations in Western Europe — who were among the hardest hit by the virus — consume foods very low in fiber, one of the main causes of altered gut microbiomes. Eating more fiber, Kim said, may lower a person’s risk of serious disease. And, fecal microbiota transplantation might be a treatment worth considering for patients with the worst cases of COVID-19. “The whole world is suffering from this COVID-19 pandemic,” he said, “but what people do not realize is that the pandemic of damaged gut microbiomes is far more serious now.”
If You Absolutely Must Vaccinate Against Covid-19 Out of Fear or Coercion, Hold Out for This Proven Vaccine…the old BCG vaccine, originally used against tuberculosis is now being studied against C-19 in Australia, Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as at MD Anderson Hospital and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. This vaccine will not have the complications of the mRNA vaccines. A large BCG controlled trial of 3626 participants that compares BCG vaccine versus placebo and is expected to be complete in April, 2021 and reporting by July, 2021.
Ivermectin Triple Therapy Protocol for COVID-19 released to Australian GPs as treatment for Infected Elderly, Frontline Workers…posted here on 4-13-21. Esteemed Australian physician Thomas Barody has relaeased an approed triple therapy for C-19 consisting of Ivermectin, zinc, and doxycycline.
Nutrition is the best vaccine against COVID-19…posted here on 5-31-21. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals while ditching processed foods and sugary beverages is the key to building your immune system, which could be your most effective “vaccine” against COVID-19, according to New Jersey Today. A protein-balanced diet is also essential, with the recommended consumption in amounts of 1.5 to 2 grams (2.2 pounds) per kilogram of weight. If you do choose to get vaccinated, proper nutrition can even help boost your immune system, according to medical experts, as vaccines are potentially less effective at stimulating an immune response in those who are undernourished. Studies also show people with compromised immune systems due to obesity may ultimately lack vaccine-induced immunity. Poor nutrition contributes to rising rates of malnutrition and obesity, which puts people at a higher risk for other serious chronic diseases and more prone to serious complications of COVID-19. One-third of patients with severe coronavirus outcomes had Type 2 diabetes, and most were 60 years or older.
Study shows hydroxychloroquine and zinc treatments increased coronavirus survival rate by almost three times…posted here on 6-11-21. A new study published in medRxiv shows that a combination of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and zinc given in higher doses to COVID-19 patients can nearly double the survival rate for those on ventilators. When HCQ was given with azithromycin (AZM) survival rates nearly tripled. This is the same HCQ that former President Trump touted, but coronavirus team leader Dr. Anthony Fauci discounted as ineffective, and the World Health Organization warned against using for the same reason. Now that the study is out, numerous pundits and lawmakers are calling for Fauci to be held accountable for putting the brakes on the use of HCQ during the pandemic. “How many people died bc Dr. Fauci said trust the science and Hydroxychloroquine isn’t effective?” Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted. “New study shows: Hydroxychloroquine + Azithromycin therapy at a higher dose improved survival by nearly 200% in ventilated COVID patients. Trump was right.”
Review of the Emerging Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Ivermectin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19…posted here on 7-26-21. “Meta-analyses based on 18 randomized controlled treatment trials of ivermectin in COVID-19 have found large, statistically significant reductions in mortality, time to clinical recovery, and time to viral clearance. Furthermore, results from numerous controlled prophylaxis trials report significantly reduced risks of contracting COVID-19 with the regular use of ivermectin. Finally, the many examples of ivermectin distribution campaigns leading to rapid population-wide decreases in morbidity and mortality indicate that an oral agent effective in all phases of COVID-19 has been identified.”
Newest MATH+ Protocol…posted here on 7-30-21. Highlights of this important article include: “Early in the pandemic, five critical care physicians formed the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group (FLCCC), which developed the highly effective COVID-19 treatment protocol known as MATH+…MATH+ involves a combination of ivermectin, vitamin C, methylprednisolone, thiamine, vitamin D and other readily available substances to treat COVID-19…Other FLCCC protocols have been developed for COVID-19 prevention and early at-home treatment, as well as for long-haul symptoms…From March 20, 2021, to May 21, 2021, there were 1,293 hospitalized COVID-19 patients at United Memorial Medical Center. Eighty-six of them died, resulting in a 6.7% death rate; that’s about half the 12.5% death rate for hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported by the National Center for Health Statistics over the same period…One of the MATH+ creators, Dr. Joseph Varon, who leads the COVID-19 unit at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) in Houston, has been trying to get the word out about the success of MATH+, but has been censored by the media…The newest MATH+ protocol features ivermectin as a core drug and replaced hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with quercetin.”
“What supplements should I take (or avoid) prior to my Covid vaccine?”…an article with some ideas and suggestions along the line of the question posed in the title of the article. However, the suggestions in this article for recommended nutraceuticals is far from complete. I also recommend Vitamin D, C, A, B, zinc, melatonin, curcuminoids, and fibrinolytic enzymes, such as Natto-serrazime. The other supplements I just listed here are linked in the article above.
Vitamin D and lumisterol novel metabolites can inhibit SARS-CoV2 replication machinery enzymes…posted here on 9-20-21. A study using active forms of vitamin D3 has shown that the vitamin’s metabolites can inhibit replication and expansion of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Summarized by Newswise on 9-9-21, “researchers on this study say their findings help explain a possible mechanism for why low vitamin D levels seem to promote COVID-19 infection and poor outcome in certain individuals. This correlates to other studies showing a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and poor disease outcomes. More studies and clinical trials are planned to test the efficacy of vitamin D and lumisterol as an antiviral therapeutic for COVID-19 in animals and humans.” Study authors commented, “Active forms of vitamin D and lumisterol can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication machinery enzymes, which indicates that novel vitamin D and lumisterol metabolites are candidates for antiviral drug research.”
Dr. Zach Bush on Humans and Germs: ‘It’s Not Us Versus Them’…from 8-2-22. On a recent episode of “The Model Health Show,” Dr. Zach Bush, triple board-certified physician and thought leader on the microbiome, challenged the “us versus them” model of germ theory: “Without microbes, we don’t exist.”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”….the First Amendment of the United States Constitution

“Unless we put medical freedom into the Constitution, the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship to restrict the art of healing to one class of Men, and deny equal privileges to others; the Constitution of the Republic should make a special privilege for medical freedoms as well as religious freedoms.” …Benjamin Rush, M.D., a signer of the Declaration of Independence

Holistic Lifestyle Counseling